Meet Your Teacher

Why research?

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose."

Zora Neale Hurston, Author

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Albert Einstein, Physicist

What is Gifted and Talented?

Gifted behavior consists of behaviors that reflect an interaction among three basic clusters of human traits: above average ability, high levels of task commitment, and high levels of creativity. Students demonstrating gifted behaviors are those possessing or capable of developing this composite set of traits and applying them to any potentially valuable area of human performance. (Adapted from Joseph Renzulli's definition.)

About Dr. Melissa Kiehl

Dr. Kiehl started teaching in Howard County in 2001. She is a Mt. Hebron graduate, and took Independent Research and Intern/Mentor in high school. She taught Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry and Physics, and AP Environmental Science for six years at Oakland Mills High School before transitioning to the G/T Resource Teacher position at Reservoir High School. She was fortunate to replace the woman who was her G/T teacher in high school! When the position became available at Mt. Hebron, Dr. Kiehl jumped at the chance to come "home" again. She has been at Mt. Hebron since 2010.

Dr. Kiehl has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Gettysburg College, a Master's in teaching from Towson University, and a Doctorate of Education from University of Maryland College Park. Her research focus was professional development for science teachers. Click here for Dr. Kiehl's resume. Dr. Kiehl's husband, Brian, is a lieutenant in the United States Navy and instructs cyber-security courses at the US Naval Academy. She has three children - Layla, Max, and Noah (twin boys). In her free time, Dr. Kiehl enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling!